THE University of Zambia and University Casino and Southern Lazio of Italy have agreed to embark on developing academic and cultural interchange in education, research and other activities.

The agreement comes in the wake of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two universities.

It is envisaged that the MOU would enhance relations between the two universities and would be able to exchange students, faculty members, and administrative staff, undertake joint study programmes, joint research and joint cultural programmes.

UNZA Vice-Chancellor Steven Simukanga and head of Literature Department Professor Moses Musonda were in Casino recently to formalise the agreement.

Prof Simukanga said the two universities were ready to embark on the exchange programmes and that the programmes would benefit the two institutions.

"The joint and exchange programmes are an important aspect of enhancing academic excellence between the two institutions," he said.

He said research programmes were a vital element for students of both countries and that the Zambian Embassy in Italy would be key in assisting in the movements and formalities of the students, staff and other groups.

Director of the University Casino and Southern Lazio, Ciro Attianese said the international orientation of the university focuses on research as well as teaching activities.

Professor Attianese said the university was a meeting point for many regions in Italy and beyond.

He said exchange programmes between UNZA and Casino universities would serve as litmus for internationalisation of higher education.

Meanwhile, Zambia's Ambassador to Italy Frank Mutubila said the agreement was an important initiative.

Mr Mutubila observed that the initiative would benefit individuals, institutions, countries and the world at large.

The ambassador said education was one of the fundamental building blocks to any society's social, political and economic progress.

The University Casino and the Southern Lazio, was established in 1979 and offers students an opportunity to study, research or complete an internship abroad with several partner institutions.

The university has five faculties, namely Economics, Engineering, Arts and Philosophy, Law and Sport Sciences and enrols about 12, 000 students with 336 faculty members, 13 departments and 47 laboratories.

ZANIS